Transatlantic cooperation is more vital than ever in times of global strategic challenges, with shifting geopolitical realities, accelerating digital transformation, and increasing strains on international trade. The annual delegation of AmChams in Europe – a network of 50 American Chambers of Commerce from 48 countries, representing over 17,000 companies – demonstrated in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., that dialogue, trusted partnerships, and shared values can pave the way to a stable and prosperous future.
The ACE US Delegation 2025 brought together 47 representatives from 30 AmCham organizations, who engaged in high-level discussions on the future of the transatlantic economy, trade relations, and innovation commitments.
Ajša Vodnik, CEO of AmCham Slovenia, who is elected Chair of AmChams in Europe emphasized at the beginning of the delegation: “Transatlantic relations go beyond economics – they are a shared commitment to cooperation, trust, and nurturing an environment where companies and societies survive, thrive, grow, and contribute to peace and stability. In collaboration, we find the power to co-create a more predictable and inclusive future,” emphasized Ajša Vodnik at the beginning of the delegation.
In Atlanta, the delegation visited the Georgia Institute of Technology, where discussions focused on the role of science and research in building the entrepreneurial ecosystems of the future. With an annual budget exceeding $1.4 billion, Georgia Tech exemplifies the successful integration of research, innovation, and business development.
The group then met with Coca-Cola, discussing sustainable practices, community engagement, and brand responsibility. At the Delta Air Lines headquarters, conversations addressed the challenges of sustainable mobility, automation, and the use of artificial intelligence in logistics, focusing on consumer expectations regarding sustainability.
In Washington, the delegation held a series of meetings with key U.S. government and business institutions, including the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, USTR, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Atlantic Council. Core topics included tariffs, digital policy, artificial intelligence, energy security, and the role of the private sector in ensuring global stability.
Meetings with members of Congress from both Democratic and Republican parties revealed broad bipartisan consensus on the strategic importance of the transatlantic partnership – not only as a trade relationship but as a foundation for stability, employment, and a shared future.
The numbers speak for themselves: the U.S. and Europe together generate nearly one-third of global GDP, with over $1.9 trillion in annual trade and more than $7.4 trillion in mutual direct investments. Europe accounts for 64% of all foreign investment in the U.S., while 56% of European investment originates from the U.S. – reflecting deep economic interdependence that sustains 16 million jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
The ACE US 2025 Delegation also offered a moment of reflection, recognizing that the differences in American directness and European analytical approaches can be complementary when united by a common goal. This is the strength of AmChams in Europe: connecting perspectives, finding solutions, and building trust.
“The values that unite us – democracy, freedom, cooperation – need more than words. They need relationships, investment, and perseverance. That’s why we invest in partnerships, believe in the power of collaboration, and why we are here,” concluded Elias Spirtounias, Vice Chair, AmChams in Europe, and Executive Director, American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.
